Variation of hydrological processes

Flöha watershed located in the border area of Germany and CzechiaImage Credit: Mike Ramelow 2006

Wadi in semi-arid area in northern Kenia Wadi in semi-arid area in northern KeniaImage Credit: Anette Stumptner 2004

The amount and intensity of precipitation and proportions which infiltrate, percolate, run on the surface downslope and evaporate fluctuate in the watershed through the year – according to rainy and dry seasons or winter and summer seasons in the respective watershed.

If, for instance, the soil is relatively impermeable due to compaction, less water can infiltrate into the soil. A greater amount of precipitation will under these conditions run downward as overland flow. Thus, also the water balances of different watersheds vary [3; 5].